Wedding Band Materials
You've made the monumental decision to get hitched, and now you're faced with the task of choosing a wedding band. Fear not brave soul. We're about to embark on a thrilling adventure through the world of men's wedding band materials. It's like a rollercoaster ride, minus the nausea and the overpriced photos at the end. So sit back, relax, and prepare to become an expert in wedding bands. By the end of this, you'll be dropping words like "tungsten carbide" and "black zirconium" like you actually know what you're talking about.
Our Buying Guide to Find Your Perfect Material
From classic gold to space rocks and everything in between, we've got a rundown that'll make you question why you ever thought jewelry shopping was boring. Let's dive in, shall we?
Antler: For the Guy Who Wants to Wear His Trophy
Antler rings bring a piece of the wild to your finger without the need for a hunting license. These rings are as unique as your hunting stories, with natural textures and patterns that'll make even the most seasoned woodsman do a double-take. Lightweight and durable, antler rings are perfect for the guy who wants to show off his rugged side without actually having to rough it in the woods.
Barrel Steel: For the Man Taking His Shot at Marriage
Made from actual barrel steel, these rings are tougher than your liver after a bachelor party. Corrosion-resistant and designed to develop a worn-in look over time, they're perfect for the guy who wants a ring with a story (that doesn't involve questionable decisions in Vegas).
Black Zirconium: The Dark Knight of Wedding Bands
Initially silver, this metal forms a black oxidized layer when heated. It's scratch-resistant, hypoallergenic, and darker than your humor. Ideal for the man who takes Batman's color scheme seriously.
Carbon Fiber: Lighter Than Your Wallet After the Wedding
Incredibly strong yet lightweight, carbon fiber rings are for men who demand high performance from their jewelry. They're modern, sleek, and less likely to set off metal detectors at airports.
Cobalt Chrome: The Platinum Pretender That Actually Delivers
Bright, durable, and hypoallergenic, cobalt chrome is the overachiever of wedding band materials. It sports a sleek white metal look that'll have you checking out your own hand more often than your phone. Scratch-resistant and with a lasting shine, it's perfect for the guy who wants his ring to look good without constant babysitting.
Damascus Steel: For the History Buff with a Flair for the Dramatic
Each Damascus steel ring is unique, with swirling patterns that look like they were forged by an artistic blacksmith. It's strong, corrosion-resistant, and a great conversation starter at parties.
Gold Plated: The Best of Both Worlds
All the classic shine of gold with a modern twist. Gold plated rings offer that timeless golden beauty while incorporating the strength of other materials underneath. They're perfect for the man who appreciates the look of gold and wants a ring that combines traditional style with contemporary durability. You get the warm, luxurious appearance of gold with some added versatility - like having your wedding cake and eating it too.
Silicone: For the Active Man or the Accident-Prone
Flexible, affordable, and available in multiple color options, these are perfect for the gym rat, the clumsy, or the guy who loses things faster than he loses arguments with his spouse.
Precious Metals: The Classic Choice
Available in yellow, white, rose gold, and platinum, these wedding band metals are the traditional choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life. With their warm luster and ability to be easily resized or reshaped, precious metals offer a lifetime of versatility. Perfect for the guy who wants a ring that, like a fine whiskey or his favorite dad jokes, only gets better with age.
Pressed Black Diamond: The Ultimate in Hardness and Style
Made from actual diamond powder, these rings are incredibly hard and scratch-resistant. They offer unparalleled durability wrapped in a sleek, modern package. Perfect for the guy who wants a ring that's as tough as he is, with a cool factor that's off the charts.
Tantalum: The Underdog of Wedding Band Materials
Rare, dense, and with a cool blue-gray color, tantalum is like the indie band of wedding rings – not everyone's heard of it, but those who know love it. It's highly corrosion-resistant and can handle your day-to-day life better than you can.
Titanium: Stronger Than Your Resolve to Skip Dessert
Lightweight yet stronger than steel, titanium rings are perfect for the guy who wants strength without the weight. They're hypoallergenic, corrosion-resistant, and tough enough to withstand your most spectacular failures.
Tungsten Carbide: For the Man Who Takes "Unbreakable Vows" Literally
Extremely hard and scratch-resistant, tungsten carbide rings are for men who treat jewelry like battle armor. They're heavier than your guilt after eating the last slice of pizza, and just as long-lasting.
Wood: For the Man in Touch with Nature (or Just Touching Nature)
These rings bring a touch of the outdoors to your finger. They're lightweight, unique, and comfortable.
Inlay Options: Because Your Ring Should Be as Layered as Your Trust Issues
Whether you're looking to add a pop of color, a touch of prehistory, or a piece of the cosmos to your band, we've got options that'll make your ring as multifaceted as you are. Let's dive into some inlay choices that will make your wedding band the talk of your next family gathering.
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Cerakote: A colorful, ceramic-based paint that's tough as nails. Perfect for adding a pop of color or creating a ring that matches your favorite power tool.
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Dinosaur Bone: Nothing says "my love is eternal" quite like a ring featuring material that's millions of years old. These inlays are fossilized dinosaur bones, giving you a tiny piece of Jurassic Park on your finger.
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Meteorite: Made from actual rocks from space, these inlays are older than dirt - literally. They come with cool, one-of-a-kind patterns that look like frost on a window, formed while floating around in space for billions of years. It's like wearing a tiny piece of a shooting star, perfect for making both stargazers and your science teacher proud.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Material
Here are the key factors to consider before you say "I do" to your ring. Think of it as a pre-nuptial agreement but for your hand.
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Durability and Scratch Resistance: Consider how your ring will hold up to your daily grind. May we suggest our platinum or palladium collections that laugh in the face of daily wear and tear.
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Weight and Comfort: You want a ring that feels just right. Try on different materials to find your perfect match. Remember, you'll be wearing this thing every day, so comfort is key.
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Hypoallergenic Properties: If your skin is sensitive, opt for hypoallergenic materials like ceramic, titanium, cobalt chrome, or black zirconium. These wedding ring metals are less likely to cause skin irritation.
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Lifestyle Considerations: Think about your hobbies and job. Choose a material that fits your lifestyle, unless your lifestyle involves juggling chainsaws - in which case, maybe reconsider your hobbies.
Who Is Manly Bands?
Meet John and Michelle, the husband and wife team who started Manly Bands out of their garage in 2016.
After having a horrible experience finding John's wedding band with limited ring sizes, boring options, and an awful customer experience, they set out to change the ring industry and make the most badass bands for every hand.
We help every man (woman, and yes, even alien) find a badass, unique-to-them wedding band. Because if you're going to wear one ring for the rest of your life, it better be more exciting than your Netflix queue. So whether you're a traditionalist, a trendsetter, or just a guy who wants a ring that won't bore him to tears, we've got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions
We do offer engravings, free with your initial purchase. Just keep it classy – or don't, we're not your mom.
Fear not, gentle giant. We have select rings available up to size 25. Because big hands need love too.
While many of our rings are unisex, we've also launched Rosie Ray Jewelry for the ladies. Because who said only guys get to have all the fun with unique wedding bands?